Aayush Sharma talks about being a married debutant and more

He may belong to a well-known political family but he believes Bollywood is his calling. He may be Salman Khan’s brother-in-law but the break in films didn’t come without the rigour of discipline and hardwork. His popularity even before the release of his debut film LoveRatri may be massive but stardom is not his immediate goal. Rather, he wants to earn a reputation as an actor first. His timeline may be flooded with congratulatory messages for the film’s dazzling preview but approval from the family is what matters most to him. Loving husband to Arpita Khan and doting father to Ahil, Aayush Sharma believes that marriage and fatherhood can cast no shadow on his image as a romantic hero. Integrity in his personal life and commitment in the professional, Aayush has rare wisdom, a virtue that will help him take the roses and the riling with grace and panache. A candid chat with the new entrant on the starry skyline

Apparently, Salman Khan had sent you many scripts, which you kept rejecting. What made you then say yes to LoveRatri?

I wanted to debut as an actor. I didn’t want to become a hero at first shot. Stardom will come only when people first accept me as an actor. Although I don’t come from a film family, Salman Bhai’s tag is attached to me. People would say I’m trying to ape him. I want people to say that I deserve to be an actor. Coming to LoveRatri, my character Shushrut is an honest guy, who falls in love and pursues the girl. A lot of instances that had happened in my life were there in the film too. Those innocent moments when you fall in love, the freshness of a relationship, the anticipation LoveRatri is all about that.

How did you train for the camera?

Salman Bhai said, I can place you in front of the camera. But after that nothing can save you but your skills. You’ve got to train in everything. During the filming of Sultan, a training setup was arranged at the Panvel farmhouse for Bhai to practise. He asked me to train with him. The training team was from Hollywood. They’d pick us up and just throw us. I’d wonder why I was getting beaten up. Bhai would say you have to do it all - gymnastics, horse riding, barrels You need to keep your body agile. You need to look convincing even when you hold a gun. Bhai would make me train twice a day and also trek up and down the mountains... He’d let me sleep only for two to three hours. I’d tell him, Bhai I’ve not joined the army. But all that training helped when I shot LoveRatri.

How?

For a song sequence, I had to jump on cars. Had I not trained, it would have been so embarrassing doing those stunts. While shooting the climax of Sultan, there were times when wrestlers would actually hit Bhai. He’d turn back and say, it’s okay. We have a lot of misconceptions about actors. I used to believe that on outdoors, actors lived in palatial accommodations surrounded by luxury. But when Bhai was shooting for Bajrangi Bhaijaan, he stayed in small hotels, without the usual comforts. (Laughs) I once told him your life isn’t as good as it seems on camera.

What was it about you that made Salman believe in you?

Salman Bhai said, You look decent but you need to get your body in shape. Also, you need to understand the schedule of an actor. Once I see how you’re progressing only then can I be sure. Till date he’s never told me you’re going to become a big star. He’s never praised me because he believes the moment he does, I’ll become complacent. I’m waiting for the day when he tells me that you have made me proud. (Smiles)

Tell us something about your co-star Warina Hussain?

She’s a surprise package. She plays a girl from London. Initially, I was apprehensive as she’s from Afghanistan. Would she be able to get the dialogue right or do the garba well? But she worked hard. Your first co-actor is always special to you. The fear of facing the camera, the appreciation on doing a scene right we shared all those moments and emotions together. We used to comfort each other if one of us happened to be nervous. We also enjoyed a healthy competition.

Has LoveRatri changed you as a person?

It’s taught me a lot. Salman Bhai has given me this launch pad. I wanted to give my 200 per cent. It isn’t about the money anymore. It’s about delivering to people’s expectations. When Bhai saw the rushes, he said, Good job. That was the biggest achievement for me. When my father-in-law (Salim Khan) saw the film, he said, You’re reserved, but on camera you’re something else. These things are valuable. When Arpita saw the film, she forgot that I was her husband. She was rooting for me to get the girl. That’s so sweet!

What has been Arpita’s contribution to your journey?

She’s been my support from day one. She’s my backbone. She’s warm and caring. I didn’t know the seriousness of this profession. When I started training under Bhai it came as a rude shock. I realised it’s not as easy as it looks. She was the one, who kept me motivated. She said, Listen you have to do it for me, for our son Ahil, for yourself...Like one day I had to do an action sequence in Gujarat. But I was unwell. Arpita told me on the phone, You can declare a pack-up. No problem. But remember, when one day Ahil goes on the set, he should hear that his father used to perform like this and under such conditions. That will motivate Ahil to work harder. Arpita’s one person, who never gives up. On days when I come home tired, she says,Be grateful you have work. There are many, who wait for this opportunity. So, don’t let it go.

Carry on...

She’s also handling the production. She ensures it’s a smooth journey. I forget that she’s my wife and connect with her on a different level. On my first day, she said, All the assistants on the set will look at you and think that he’s got the film because he’s Salman Khan’s brother-in-law. Your first take should be so good that they develop instant respect for you. I wanted to prove that I had got this film on merit.

You’re a married newcomer. Do you fear it will harm your image as a romantic hero?

When Arpita was carrying Ahil, I had a conversation with Sohail Bhai. I said that I’m married and will turn a father soon. Will people accept me? He replied, The only superstar in this country who’s not married is Salman Khan. Everyone else is married. So marriage has nothing to do with what you’re doing. The only thing that matters is hard work and whether people like what you’re doing in front of the camera. Till date, I can’t have Arpita on set when I’m doing a romantic scene. I get conscious. She has this smirk on her face when I perform well. She’s seen me during my worst phase. During my first photo-shoot with Warina, I kept saying I can’t do it. Arpita said, Listen if you want to be an actor, you better be prepared for all this.

Are you prepared for the link-ups that come with stardom?

When link-ups happen, we will figure. Right now, there’s nothing of that sort. (Laughs) Actually, I don’t know how I’ll get linked up because most of the actresses are Arpita’s friends. But seriously, if there’s anything of this sort in the future, I won’t ever explain things because one should maintain the dignity of one’s marriage. If your wife and you know the truth, why do you need to explain things to others? Right?